Benzimidazole, benzoxazole and benzothiazole compounds

Abstract

A compound of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 represents halogen or a different group as defined in the description,Ra and Rb, which mnay be identical or different, represent hydrogen, alkyl, or hydroxy,X represents oxygen or sulphur or NR, R being H or alkyl,R.sub.2 represents optionally-substituted aryl,R'.sub.2 represents hydrogen or optionally-substituted aryl,its isomers and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base, and medicinal products containing the same, are useful as inhibitors of interleukin 1.beta..

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to new benzimidazole, benzoxazole and benzothiazole compounds. The compounds of the present invention are powerful inhibitors of interleukin 1.beta. (IL1.beta.) and of her formation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

IL1.beta. is produced by macrophages and has a wide variety of biological activities associated with inflammatory pathologies, such as rheumatoid arthritis or arthrosis.

IL1.beta. stimulates those cells present in joints that produce and then express inducible cyclo-oxygenase (COX2), and inducible NO synthase, to provide prostaglandins and NO, which are important mediators of pain and inflammation. IL1.beta. also activates the expression and production of proteases which are involved in degrading the extracellular matrix of chondrocytes and in suppressing the synthesis of the components of the cartilage matrix.

Moreover, IL1.beta. is involved in activating endothelial cells which then express different adhesion factors, and in inducing other pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF or the chemokines (IL6). Finally, IL1.beta. plays a role in the regulation of bone resorption and in lymphocyte differentiation and proliferation.

An IL1.beta. inhibitor can therefore be expected to be active against inflammatory phenomena and to modify favourably the development of pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis or arthrosis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

More specifically, the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): ##STR2## wherein: R.sub.1 represents a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy group (optionally substituted by an aryl group), a trihalomethyl group, an arylmethyl group, a cyano group, a sulpho group, an amino group (optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, acyl, arylsulphonyl and/or alkylsulphonyl groups), a mercapto group, a linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkylthio group, a linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)triallylarnmonium group, an aryloxy group, an arylthio group, an arylaminocarbonyl group, an arylcarbonylamino group, an arylsulphonylarnino group, an arylaminosulphonyl group, an arylureido group, an arylthioureido group, an arylsulphonyl group, an arylsulphonyloxy group, a (C.sub.3 -C.sub.7)cycloalkyloxy group, a (C.sub.3 -C.sub.7)cycloalkylthio group, a (C.sub.6 -C.sub.8)bicycloalkyloxy group (optionally substituted by an aryl group) or a (C.sub.6 -C.sub.8)bicycloalkythio group (optionally substituted by an aryl group), it being understood that each aryl group may be optionally substituted,

Ra and Rb, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group or a linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl group (optionally substituted by an aryl group), X represents an oxygen or sulphur atom or a group NR (wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl group), triazolyl or tetrazolyl group, each of those groups being optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different, halogen atoms, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)trihaloalkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxy, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy, amino (optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, acyl, alkylsulphonyl and/or arylsulfonyl groups), optionally substituted phenyl and/or optionally substituted bicycloalkyl groups, R'.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted aryl group, their isomers and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base.

The term "aryl group" is to be understood as meaning a mono- or bi-cyclic aromatic group optionally containing from 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen. The term "optionally substituted" applied to the aryl, phenyl and bicycloalkyl groups means a substitution of those groups by one or more, identical or different, halogen atoms, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)trihaloalkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy (optionally substituted by a carboxy or alkoxycarbonyl group), hydroxy, nitro, cyano, amino (optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different. linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, acyl, alkylsulphonyl and/or arylsulphonyl groups), carboxy, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, alkylsulphonylamino, arylsulfonylamino, alkylsulphonylaminocarbonyl, arylsulphonylaminocarbonyl, optionally substituted phenyl and/or optionally substituted bicycloalkyl groups.

Amongst the pharmaceutically acceptable acids there may be mentioned by way of nonlimiting example hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric acid, phosphonic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, oxalic acid, methanesulphonic acid, camphoric acid, etc.

Amongst the pharmaceutically acceptable bases there may be mentioned by way of nonlimiting example sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, triethylamine, tert-butylamine, etc.

The preferred compounds of the invention are compounds of formula (I) wherein X represents a group NR as defined hereinabove.

The preferred R.sub.2 group is an optionally substituted imidazolyl group.

The R.sub.1 groups preferred according to the invention are optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted arylthio or optionally substituted arylsulphonylamino groups.

The present invention relates also to a process for the preparation of compounds of formula (I). When the desired compounds of formula (I) are those wherein X=NR, the process is characterised in that there is used as starting material a compound of formula (I): ##STR3## wherein R.sub.2 and R'.sub.2 are as defined for formula (I), which is reacted, in an acidic medium, with a compound of formula (III): ##STR4## wherein R.sub.a, R.sub.b and R.sub.1 have the same meanings as for formula (I),

to yield a compound of formula (I/a), which is a particular case of the compounds of formula (I): ##STR5## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.2 and R'.sub.2 are as defined for formula (I), which, when R.sub.1 represents a hydroxy group, is optionally subjected to the action of thionyl chloride, to yield a compound of formula (I/b), which is a particular case of the compounds of formula (I): ##STR6## wherein R.sub.2, R'.sub.2, R.sub.a and R.sub.b have the same meanings as for formula (I), which may then be subjected to the conventional reactions that can be carried out on chlorinated compounds, to obtain the corresponding substitutions, which compound of formula (I/a) or (I/b): the NH function of which may be optionally substituted by a linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl group, may, if necessary, be purified in accordance with a conventional purification technique is separated, where appropriate, into its isomers in accordance with a conventional separation technique, and/or is converted, if desired, into addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base.

When the desired compounds of formula (I) are those wherein X=X'=O or S, the process is characterised in that there is used as starting material a compound of formula (IV): ##STR7## wherein R.sub.2 and R'.sub.2 are as defined for formula (I) and X'=O or S, which is reacted, in an acidic medium, with a compound of formula (III): ##STR8## wherein R.sub.a, R.sub.b and R.sub.1 have the same meanings as for formula (I),

to yield a compound of formula (I/c), which is a particular case of the compounds of formula (I): ##STR9## wherein R.sub.2, R'.sub.2, X', R.sub.a, R.sub.b and R are as defined hereinabove, which, when R.sub.1 represents a hydroxy group, is optionally subjected to the action of thionyl chloride, to yield a compound of formula (I/d), which is a particular case of the compounds of formula (I): ##STR10## wherein R.sub.2, R'.sub.2, R.sub.a, R.sub.b and X' have the same meanings as hereinabove, which may then be subjected to the conventional reactions that can be carried out on chlorinated compounds, to yield the corresponding substitutions, which compound of formula (I/c) or (I/d): may, if necessary, be purified in accordance with a conventional purification technique, is separated, where appropriate, into its isomers in accordance with a conventional separation technique, and/or is converted, if desired, into addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base.

The compounds of formula (II), (III) and (IV) are obtained in accordance with conventional methods of the literature adapted to the nature and position of the R.sub.2 and R'.sub.2 substituents on the phenyl nucleus for compounds of formula (II) or (IV), or R.sub.a and R.sub.b for compounds of formula (III).

The invention relates also to pharmaceutical compositions comprising as active ingredient at least one compound of formula (I) with one or more suitable inert, non-toxic exicipents. Amongst the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention there may be mentioned more especially those which are suitable for oral, parenteral (intravenous or sub-cutaneous) or nasal administration, tablets or dragees, sublingual tablets, gelatin capsules, lozenges, suppositories, creams, ointments, dermal gels, injectable preparations, drinkable suspensions, etc.

The useful dosage can be adapted according to the nature and severity of the affection, the mode of administration and according to the age and weight of the patient, and ranges from 0.1 to 100 mg per day in one or more administrations.

The following Examples illustrate the invention but do not limit it in any way.

The starting materials used are known products or products that are prepared in accordance with known procedures.

The structures of the compounds described in the Examples and in the Preparations have been determined in accordance with the customary spectrophotometric techniques (infrared, NMR, mass spectrometry, etc.).

EXAMPLE 1

2-Phenoximethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

Step A: 1-(3-Amino-4-nitrophenyl)imidazole

240 mmol of imidazole, 240 mmol of 2-amino4-chloronitrobenzene and 240 mmol of potassium carbonate in 450 ml of dimethylformamide (DMF) are stirred in a 1 litre round-bottomed flask. The mixture is maintained at 130.degree. C. with stirring for 48 hours. After the DMF has been removed by evaporation, the residue is taken up in water. The precipitate that forms is filtered off and then washed with water. It is then dissolved in 550 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid. After insoluble material has been filtered off, the filtrate is rendered alkaline and the precipitate that forms is filtered off and washed with water. After drying, the expected product is obtained after purification by chromatography on silica gel using a dichloromethane/methanol mixture(95/5).

Metting point: 189.degree. C.

Step B: 1-(3,4-Diaminophenyl)imidazole

93 mmol of the compound obtained in the preceding Step are hydrogenated, under atmospheric pressure, in 400 ml of an ethanol/dioxane mixture (50/50) in the presence of 1 g of Pd/C catalyst. After 18 hours' hydrogenation, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated to obtain the expected product.

Melting point: 172.degree. C.

Step C: 2-Phenoxymethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihyd rochloride

34.4 mmol of the product obtained in the preceding Step and 51 mmol of phenoxyacetic acid are refluxed for 18 hours in 120 ml of 4N hydrochloric acid. After cooling, the mixture is rendered alkaline with potassium carbonate. The precipitate that forms is dissolved in methanol. The methanolic solution is decolourised over carbon and then evaporated. The residue is then purified by chromatography on silica gel using a dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide mixture (95/5/0.5) as eluant. The purified product is then converted into the corresponding dihydrochloride by dissolution in 1N hydrochloric acid, evaporation and drying.

______________________________________Melting point: 186.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 56.21 4.44 15.42 19.52found 56.60 4.96 15.50 19.36______________________________________

The products of the following Examples were obtained in accordance with the process described in Example 1, using the corresponding starting materials:

EXAMPLE 2

2-Hydroxymethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Melting point: 235.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 46.01 4.21 19.51 24.69found 45.64 4.24 19.04 24.94______________________________________

EXAMPLE 3

2-(4-Methoxyphenoxy)methyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Melting point: 190-192.degree. C. (decomp.)Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 54.97 4.61 14.25 18.03found 54.66 5.10 14.02 18.03______________________________________

EXAMPLE 4

2-(4-Fluorophenoxy)methyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Melting point: 216-218.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 53.56 3.97 14.70 18.60found 53.47 4.41 14.57 18.67______________________________________

EXAMPLE 5

2-(2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)methyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Melting point: 255-260.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 47.25 3.27 12.97 32.82found 46.56 3.69 12.54 32.71______________________________________

EXAMPLE 6

2-(4-Chlorophenoxy)methyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Melting point: 255.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 51.34 3.80 14.09 26.74found 51.91 3.74 14.05 26.23______________________________________

EXAMPLE 7

2-Phenylthiomethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Melting point: 189.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl% S%______________________________________calculated 53.83 4.25 14.77 18.69 8.45found 54.07 4.23 14.60 19.19 8.36______________________________________

EXAMPLE 8

2-Phenylsulphonylmethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl% S%______________________________________calculated 49.64 3.92 13.62 17.24 7.80found 49.95 3.83 13.38 17.62 7.76______________________________________

EXAMPLE 9

2-Hydroxymethyl-5-(benzimidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Melting point: >260.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 53.43 4.18 16.61 21.03found 53.34 3.99 16.35 21.30______________________________________

EXAMPLE 10

2-Phenoxymethyl-5-(benzimidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Melting point: 210.degree. C. (decomp.)Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 61.03 4.39 13.56 17.16found 60.77 4.48 13.13 17.01______________________________________

EXAMPLE 11

2-Phenoxymethyl-5-(4-phenylimidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

______________________________________Melting point: 240.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N%______________________________________calculated 75.39 4.95 15.29found 74.59 5.03 15.20______________________________________

EXAMPLE 12

2-Hydrocymethyl-5-(4-phenylimidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Melting point: >260.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 56.21 4.44 15.42 19.52found 56.21 4.37 15.44 19.35______________________________________

EXAMPLE 13

2-Phenoxymethyl-5-(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Melting point: 220.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 52.76 4.15 19.29 19.47found 52.54 4.67 19.05 21.09______________________________________

EXAMPLE 14

2-Phenoxymethyl-5-(pyrrol-1-yl)benzimidazole

______________________________________Melting point: 120-122.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N%______________________________________calculated 74.72 5.23 14.52found 74.65 5.52 14.02______________________________________

EXAMPLE 15

2-(3-Trifluorophenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 16

2-Phenoxymethyl-5-(benzothiazol-2-yl)benzimidazole hydroclloride

Step A : 2-(3,4-Diaminophenyl)benzimidazole

The expected product is obtained in accordance with the process described in Step A of Example 15 starting from 2-(3,4-dinitrophenyl)benzothiazole.

Step B: 2-Phenoxymethyl-5-(benzothiazol-2-yl)benzimidazole hydrochloride

The expected product is obtained in accordance with the process described in Step C of Example 1 starting from the compound obtained in the preceding Step.

______________________________________Melting point: 222.degree. C.Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl% S%______________________________________calculated 64.03 4.10 10.67 9.00 8.14found 63.60 4.19 10.56 9.43 8.06______________________________________

EXAMPLE 17

2-Phenoxymethyl-5-(imidazol[1,2a]pyridin2-yl)benzimidazole

The expected product is obtained in accordance with the process described in Example 16 using the corresponding starting materials.

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N%______________________________________calculated 74.10 4.74 16.46found 73.92 4.69 16.27______________________________________

EXAMPLE 18

2-Phenoxymethyl-5-(2-methylthiazol-4-yl)benzimidazole

The expected product is obtained in accordance with the process described in Example 16 using the corresponding starting materials.

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% S%______________________________________calculated 67.27 4.70 13.07 9.98found 67.64 4.62 13.01 10.16______________________________________

The following Examples were prepared in accordance with the process described in Example 1 using the corresponding starting materials.

EXAMPLE 19

2-Cyclohexyloxymethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N%______________________________________calculated 68.90 6.80 18.90found 69.02 6.70 18.99______________________________________

EXAMPLE 20

2-Biphenyloxymethyl-5-imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 62.88 4.59 12.75 16.14found 62.95 4.88 12.81 16.49______________________________________

EXAMPLE 21

2-(3,5-Ditrifluoromethyl)phenoxymethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N%______________________________________calculated 53.53 2.84 13.14found 53.65 3.04 13.48______________________________________

EXAMPLE 22

2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenylthiomethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl% S%______________________________________calculated 51.94 4.59 12.75 16.14 7.30found 51.44 4.65 12.33 16.45 7.22______________________________________

EXAMPLE 23

2-(4-Methoxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 24

2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 50.13 3.51 12.99 16.44found 50.92 3.67 13.12 15.81______________________________________

EXAMPLE 25

2-(2,6-Dimethylphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 58.32 5.15 14.32 18.12found 58.30 5.27 14.09 18.23______________________________________

EXAMPLE 26

2-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)bezimidazole dihlydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 52.99 4.89 12.36 15.64found 53.15 5.41 12.17 14.50______________________________________

EXAMPLE 27

2-(Penylaminomethyl))-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N%______________________________________calculated 70.57 5.23 24.20found 70.54 5.20 24.03______________________________________

EXAMPLE 28

2-[(2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy)phenylthionethyl])-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 29

2-(1-(S)-Phenoxyethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 57.31 4.81 14.85 18.79found 57.30 4.89 14.98 19.21______________________________________

EXAMPLE 30

2-(1-(R)-Phenoxyethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 57.31 4.81 14.85 18.79found 57.31 4.84 14.82 19.09______________________________________

EXAMPLE 31

2-(N-Methylanilinomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N%______________________________________calculated 71.27 5.65 23.09found 70.80 5.83 22.74______________________________________

EXAMPLE 32

2-(2-Methoxyphenyltiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl% S%______________________________________calculated 52.82 4.43 13.69 17.32 7.83found 52.70 4.58 13.63 17.88 8.00______________________________________

EXAMPLE 33

2-(4-Acetamidophenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl% S%______________________________________calculated 52.30 4.39 16.05 16.25 7.35found 51.28 4.49 15.95 16.58 7.08______________________________________

EXAMPLE 34

2-(2,6-Dimethylphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl% S%______________________________________calculated 56.02 4.95 13.75 17.41 7.87found 56.32 5.08 13.66 16.92 7.78______________________________________

EXAMPLE 35

2-(4-Hydroxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimitazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% S%______________________________________calculated 63.34 4.38 17.38 9.95found 63.35 4.63 17.39 9.72______________________________________

EXAMPLE 36

2-(2,6-Dichlorophenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 47.25 3.27 12.97 32.82found 47.36 3.46 12.74 31.79______________________________________

EXAMPLE 37

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 53.91 4.76 13.24 16.75found 54.05 4.99 13.14 16.92______________________________________

EXAMPLE 38

2-(2,6-Diisorpropylphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 61.75 631 12.52 15.85found 62.45 6.47 12.55 14.99______________________________________

EXAMPLE 39

2-(2,4,6-Trimethylphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 59.27 5.47 13.82 17.49found 59.36 5.82 13.78 17.23______________________________________

EXAMPLE 40

2-(Cyanomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N%______________________________________calculated 64.56 4.06 31.37found 64.14 4.34 31.58______________________________________

EXAMPLE 41

2-(1-(S)-Hyroxy-2-phenylethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 57.31 4.81 14.85 18.79found 56.84 5.52 14.55 18.76______________________________________

EXAMPLE 42

2-(1-(R)-Hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 57.31 4.81 14.85 18.79found 56.81 5.51 14.65 18.99______________________________________

EXAMPLE 43

2-(4-Carboxphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N%______________________________________calculated 64.67 422 16.76found 64.21 4.25 16.59______________________________________

EXAMPLE 44

2-(2-Ethoxycarbonylphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% S%______________________________________calculated 63.47 4.79 14.80 8.47found 63.87 4.94 14.70 8.31______________________________________

EXAMPLE 45

2{4-(Carboxymethoxy)phenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% S%______________________________________calculated 59.99 4.24 14.73 8.43found 60.22 4.29 14.76 8.67______________________________________

EXAMPLE 46

2-(Anilinocarbonylmethyl)-5-imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 55.40 4.39 17.94 18.17found 55.02 4.66 17.69 18.28______________________________________

EXAMPLE 47

2-(Benzoylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 55.39 4.39 17.95 18.17found 55.85 4.73 18.18 17.67______________________________________

EXAMPLE 48

2-(Phenylsulphonylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl% S%______________________________________calculated 47.90 4.02 16.43 16.63 7.52found 48.10 4.05 16.22 16.87 7.26______________________________________

EXAMPLE 49

2-(Hydroxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N% Cl%______________________________________calculated 53.56 3.97 14.70 18.60found 53.28 3.77 14.68 19.24______________________________________

EXAMPLE 50

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-benzimidazole

______________________________________Elemental microanalysis: C% H% N%______________________________________calculated 67.56 4.76 12.61found 67.34 4.98 12.63______________________________________

EXAMPLE 51

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 52

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(oxazol-4-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 53

2-(2,6-Dimethylphenylthiomethyl)-5-(thiazol-4-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 54

2-(4-Hydroxyaminocarbonylphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzinidazole

EXAMPLE 55

2-(4-Hydroxyaminocarbonylphenylureidomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-benzimidazol

EXAMPLE 56

2-(4-Methylsulphonylaminophenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 57

2-(Methylsulphonylminocarbonylphenoxyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 58

2-Sulphomethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 59

2-(Phenylaminosulphonylmethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 60

2-(Tetrazol-5-yl)methyl-5-imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 61

2-(3,4-Dicarboxymethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 62

2-(2,4,6-Trimethoxyphenoxymethyl)5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 63

2-(Pyrrol-2-yloxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 64

2-(2,6-Diethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 65

2-(2-Methoxy-6-methylphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 66

2-(2,6-Dihydroxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 67

2-(2-Methoxy-6-hydroxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 68

2-(2-Hydroxymethyl-6-methoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 69

2-(2-Methoxymethyl-6-methoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 70

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 71

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 72

2-(2-Methoxy-6-methylphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 73

2-(2,6-Dihydroxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 74

2-(2-Methoxy-6-hydroxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 75

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 76

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 77

2-(2-Methoxy-6-methylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 78

2-(2,6-Dihyroxyphenylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 79

2-(2-Methoxy-6-hydroxyphenylaminoniethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 80

2-[N-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenyl)-N-methylaminomethyl]-5-(iminazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 81

2-[N-(2,6-Diethoxyphenyl)-N-methylaminomethyl]-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 82

2-[N-(2-Methoxy-6-methylphenyl)-N-methylaniomethyl]-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 83

2-[N-(2,6-Dihytlroxyphenyl)-N-menthylaminomethyl]-5-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 84

2-[N-(2-Methoxy-6-hydrooxphenyl )-N-methylaminomethyl]-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 85

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 86

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylaminomethyl)-5imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 87

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 88

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(imidazol-1-yl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 89

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 90

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4-pyridyl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 91

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4-pyridyl) benzinidazole

EXAMPLE 92

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4-pyridyl) benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 93

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4'-fluorobiphenyl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 94

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4'-fluorobiphenyl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 95

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4'-fluorobiphenyl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 96

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-[4-(4-pyridyl) phenyl]benzirnddazole

EXAMPLE97

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylthiomethyl)-5-imidazol-1-yl)-6-[4-(4-pyridyl) phenyl]benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 98

2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-[4-(4-pyridyl)phenyl]benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 99

2-[N-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenythyl)-N-methylaminomethyl]-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 100

2-[N-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenyl)-N-methylaminomethyl]-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 101

2-[N-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenyl)-N-methylaminomethyl]-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4-pyridyl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 102

2-[N-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenyl)-N-methylaminomethyl]-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4'-fluorobiphenyl)benzimidazole

EXAMPLE 103

2-[N-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenyl)-N-methylaminonethyl)]-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-[4-(4-pyridyl)phenyl]benzimidazole

Pharmacological Study of the Compounds of the Invention

EXAMPLE 104

The compounds were studied on the human monocyte/macrophage type cell line THP1. Production of IL1.beta. by those cells was obtained after stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (M. Turner et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm., 1988, 256(2), 830-839) and was determined by the EIA method (Cayman kit) in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In the test for endotoxic shock brought about in mice by intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide, the compounds of the invention reduced the circulating levels of TNF at an oral dose of less than or equal to 100 mg.kg. The ED.sub.50 were 30, 10, 3 and 10 mg/kg p.o. for the compounds of Examples 48, 34, 37 and 50, respectively.

EXAMPLE 105

Pharmaceutical composition

Formulation for the preparation of 1000 tablets each containing 10 mg of active ingredient

______________________________________Compound of EXAMPLE 1 10 gHydroxypropyl cellulose 2 gWheat starch 10 gLactose 100 gMagnesium stearate 3 gTalc 3 g______________________________________

Claims

1. A compound selected from those of formula (I): ##STR11## wherein: R.sub.1 represents hydroxy, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy (optionally substituted by aryl), trihalomethyl, cyano, sulpho, amino substituted by one or more, identical or different, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, acyl, arylsulphonyl and/or alkylsulphonyl), mercapto, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkylthio, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)trialkylammonium, aryloxy, arylthio wherein aryl is an aromatic group containing no hetero atoms, arylaminocarbonyl, arylcarbonylamino, arylsulphonylamino, arylaminosulphonyl, arylureido, arylthioureido, arylsulphonyl, arylsulphonyloxy, (C.sub.3 -C.sub.7)-cycloalkyloxy, (C.sub.3 -C.sub.7)cycloalkylthio, (C.sub.6 -C.sub.8)bicycloalkyloxy (optionally substituted by aryl), or (C.sub.6 -C.sub.8)bicycloalkylthio (optionally substituted by aryl), it being understood that each aryl is optionally substituted,

Ra and Rb, which may be identical or different, represent hydrogen, hydroxy, or linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl (optionally substituted by aryl),

X represents NR (wherein R represents hydrogen or linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl),

R.sub.2 represents imidazolyl, benzimidazol-1-yl, naphthyl, pyridyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, pyrrolyl, furyl, thienyl, imidazopyridinyl, triazolyl, or tetrazolyl, each of those groups being optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different, halogen, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)trihaloalkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxy, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy, amino (optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, acyl, alkylsulphonyl, and/or arylsulphonyl), optionally-substituted phenyl, and/or optionally-substituted bicycloalkyl,

R'.sub.2 represents hydrogen or optionally-substituted aryl,

the term "aryl group" being understood to mean a mono- or bi-cyclic aromatic group optionally containing 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from nitrogen, sulphur, and oxygen, and the term "optionally substituted" as applied to the aryl, phenyl and bicycloalkyl groups meaning a substitution of those groups by one or more, identical or different, halogen atoms, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)trihaloalkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy (optionally substituted by a carboxy or alkoxycarbonyl group), hydroxy, nitro, cyano, amino (optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, acyl, alkylsulphonyl and/or arylsulphonyl groups), carboxy, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, alkylsulphonylamino, arylsulfonylamino, alkylsulphonylaminocarbonyl, arylsulphonylaminocarbonyl, optionally substituted phenyl, and/or optionally substituted bicycloalkyl groups,

their isomers and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.

2. A compound of claim 1 wherein R.sub.1 represents optionally-substituted aryloxy.

3. A compound of claim 1 wherein R.sub.1 represents optionally-substituted arylthio wherein aryl is an aromatic group containing no hetero atoms.

4. A compound of claim 1 wherein R.sub.1 represents optionally-substituted arylsulphonylamino.

5. A compound of claim 1 wherein R.sub.1 represents optionally-substituted phenoxy.

6. A compound of claim 3 wherein R.sub.1 represents optionally-substituted phenylthio.

7. A compound of claim 5 wherein R.sub.1 represents optionally-substituted phenylsulphonylamino.

8. A compound of claim 1 wherein R.sub.2 represents optionally-substituted imidazolyl.

9. The compound of claim 1 which is 2-phenoxymethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole, and addition salts thereof.

10. The compound of claim 1 which is 2-phenylthiomethyl-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole, and addition salts thereof.

11. The compound of claim 1 which is 2-(2,6-dimethylphenylthiomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride.

12. The compound of claim 1 which is 2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride.

13. The compound of claim 1 which is 2-(phylsulphonylaminomethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)benzimidazole dihydrochloride.

14. The compound of claim 1 which is 2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxymethyl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)benzimidazole.

15. A pharmaceutical composition useful as an interleukin 1.beta. inhibitor of comprising as active principle an effective amount of a compound as claimed in claim 1, together with one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients or vehicles.

16. A method for treating a living body afflicted with a condition requiring an inhibitor of interleukin 1.beta. comprising the step of administering to the living body an amount of a compound selected from those of formula (I): ##STR12## wherein: R.sub.1 represents halogen, hydroxy, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy (optionally substituted by aryl), trihalomethyl, cyano, sulpho, amino (optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different, linear or branched (C.sub.1 C.sub.6)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, acyl, arylsulphonyl and/or alkylsulphonyl), mercapto, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkylthio, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)trialkylammonium, aryloxy, arylthio, arylaminocarbonyl, arylcarbonylamino, arylsulphonylamino, arylaminosulphonyl, arylureido, arylthioureido, arylsulphonyl, arylsulphonyloxy, (C.sub.3 -C.sub.7)-cycloalkyloxy, (C.sub.3 -C.sub.7)cycloalkylthio, (C.sub.6 -C.sub.8)bicycloalkyloxy (optionally substituted by aryl), or (C.sub.6 -C.sub.8)bicycloalkylthio (optionally substituted by aryl), it being understood that each aryl is optionally substituted,

Ra and Rb, which may be identical or different, represent hydrogen, hydroxy, or linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl (optionally substituted by aryl),

X represents NR (wherein R represents hydrogen or linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl),

R.sub.2 represents imidazolyl, benzimidazol-1-yl, naphthyl, pyridyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, pyrrolyl, furyl, thienyl, imidazopyridinyl, triazolyl, or tetrazolyl, each of those groups being optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different, halogen, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)trihaloalkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxy, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy, amino (optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, acyl, alkylsulphonyl, and/or arylsulphonyl), optionally-substituted phenyl, and/or optionally-substituted bicycloalkyl,

R'.sub.2 represents hydrogen or optionally-substituted aryl,

the term "aryl group" being understood to mean a mono- or bi-cyclic aromatic group optionally containing 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from nitrogen, sulphur, and oxygen, and the term "optionally substituted" as applied to the aryl, phenyl and bicycloalkyl groups meaning a substitution of those groups by one or more, identical or different, halogen atoms, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)trihaloalkyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy (optionally substituted by a carboxy or alkoxycarbonyl group), hydroxy, nitro, cyano, amino (optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, acyl, alkylsulphonyl and/or arylsulphonyl groups), carboxy, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy-carbonyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, alkylsulphonylamino, arylsulfonylamino, alkylsulphonylaminocarbonyl, arylsulphonylaminocarbonyl, optionally substituted phenyl, and/or optionally substituted bicycloalkyl groups,

their isomers and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base,

which is effective for the alleviation of said condition.